20 Things Middle-Aged Women Wish They’d Known When They Were 20

Despite the fact that we can't change the past, the future is still in our hands.

Linlinsan, posted on Oct.05,2018, 323 views

Writer and university professor Nyasha Junior turned to Twitter to ask women in their 40′s what advice they would give to their 20-something selves. The number of responses she received was overwhelming.

3.
Never chase anyone who doesn’t want you. Not a job, not a love interest – you will always be begging for their attention. Go where you’re wanted, make your own opportunities, and never wait for someone to ask you to do what you want to do. Don’t forget your worth! Twitter: lynnxe

4.
“Bad boys” are not fun or sexy. They’re actually bad people and will hurt you in some way shape or form. Twitter: kimba__what

5.
Save more, travel more, say NO more, say what you feel AT THE TIME YOU FEEL IT more Twitter: AndreaDMorgan

6.
You don’t have to give up any of yourself for the right person. Twitter: andilit

7.
That confidence you see in women of a certain age? It is born of a magical exhaustion that truly prevents you from giving a hot damn. Be patient. You just ain’t that tired yet. Twitter: 5tephanieJean

8.
Stop trying to make everyone else happy. Owning things is not happiness, watch your money. Just because they are family doesn’t mean they cannot be toxic. Twitter: Heather_C_R

9.
Learn your strengths and design a life where you use them everyday. Get liberated from the myth of well-roundedness. Find your edge, sharpen it, and then use it to craft a life you love. Twitter: AmberBenson

16.
Let go of the mistakes you’ve made in the past and where/what/who you think you *should* be.
Embrace who you are today and build upwards from there.
It’s never too late to change your path. Twitter: ksylor

17.
Stop seeking the approval of men who aren’t worth it. Twitter: sarahjb13

18.
1. Be less afraid to work for your own happiness.
2. Go on vacation and take cute pictures.
3. Stop thinking so much about the man you love, either he is yours or he isn’t, it isn’t much you can do to change that.
4. Go ahead and try, the worst they can say is no. Twitter: profblmkelley

19.
Fall in love often.
Treasure your girlfriends, treat them well.
SLEEP – all the things you’re worrying about will work out.
Be good to partners who are good to you-settle for nothing less.
(You’ve got this, pretty girl. Don’t you worry ’bout a thang.) Twitter: DPMCanty

20.
Take some more chances.
Be a little less “practical” and take that trip.
Lose the toxic friends sooner rather than later. Keep the good ones closer.
Compliment yourself more, like you would a friend.
Words hurt so remember that when fighting.
Love happens more than once. Twitter: mrsmaris